Martial Arts

It has been a mundane couple of weeks.  Lots of bike trainer time.  Some good swims.  And keeping off my run for another week.  Going to get an MRI to check my calf out next week.

But today I wanted to comment on being an athlete spectator...........While watching two of my best friends expose themselves into competitions that most will never dream.  One in the Rock-n-Roll Marathon in Phoenix, and one in the Washington State Judo Championships.  Both well accomplished athletes in their regards.  Both with dissappointing results...............And I have been there..........Pissed at the results for whatever reason.  But to spectate the trials and triumphs and even personal failures of the age group athlete is both inspiring and humbling.  You want to support your friends and also want to wish them success.  But it will not always be a success and I think it is humbling to watch athletes, no matter their level of play, grow.............Because every experience is a growth process.  Success or failure alike.  And when you are on the sidelines, you know they are surpassing you with their new experience.............  And it makes me just want to get out there all the more!!

This weekend my wife approached me with the serious intent to complete a marathon!!  She has never done one and her idea was that on our 10 year anniversary, lets celebrate by training for and finishing a marathon!  Is that awesome or what?!?!?!?!  I know she is ready as she is a fine runner anyway, however, we both train smaller distances for the moment.  The day is June 7th, 7weeks prior to our anniversary, but the time and place are perfect and our traning will take on a new look over the course of the next 6 months.  I truly feel fortunate that my wife and I have so much fun together and as a family. (Our kids rock!!  Any parent knows this experience!)  Anyway, just a fun little blog and I'll share training experiences as we go.  We can easily complete a 1/2 marathon now, so any input on training would be very welcome as we don't have tons of experience with serious distance.  I personally have done 2 marathons to date, so I know that true preparation is vital!  Have a great week everyone, be safe and God Bless!

                                                                                                                  Mitch

     Well, my training is back on track and feeling pretty good.  Iv'e been having these thoughts of going back to the United States Nationals and jumping into a Masters division.  It's in Virginia Beach this year.  Of course I do need to find a plane fair that is reasonable!  Anyway, I have not competed in 2.5 years as family is my first priority but I'm feeling like I could give it a go a few times this year and then back off again for a while.  The next big tournament is the Washington State Championships in early January.  No Masters divisions here and serious players abound!  I know all to well the "hornets nest" I'm considering getting into, however, what a way to get my feet wet again!  Judo is mainly played on ones feet, both competitors trying to throw the other.  The contest can continue on the ground, however, depending on the referee, it varies as to how much time will be allowed to work a ground attack.  Unfortunatley for me, this is where my judo strengths are, however, ground attacks can take some time to evolve, especially against another well trained practitioner.  The bottom line is that Judo tournaments focus on throwing.   As a result, I need to keep this in mind and do the best I can do if I end up deciding to enter.  If I play, I'll make 73Kg and under for sure, however, Iv'e also played at 66Kg and under.  This would be optimal.  Well, a day at a time and continued training!  Cheers, Mitch

Last week started off great and then of all things I get seriously ill!  Friday, Saturday and Sunday were the worst, however, I still managed to log 22 miles before the Friday wall hit.  Feeling much better now and will re-start the typical foundation training again tomorrow.  Other than that, I hope to have some new stuff on the martial arts page in the next 2-3 weeks.   I also wanted to say that this  network of stories and information has really been alot of fun as well as educational.  This blogging thing is pretty cool!  Cheers everyone!

                                                        Mitch